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Alisal Appoints Local Food & Beverage Director

Certified sommelier Kyle Erickson joins the Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort team in Solvang, CA as the new food and beverage director. Former partner of Ted Vance (Vance Erickson Fine Wine Brokers), Erickson will now work alongside executive chef Anthony Endy to rejuvenate Alisal’s food and beverage menus. As a Santa Barbara native, he strives to incorporate his passion and knowledge of the region to his new role.

“My aim is to make sure that we are doing everything we can to be stewards of the region by highlighting local wines and prominently featuring them at the Ranch," said Erickson.

In his first month, Erickson has already begun to integrate local wine at Alisal, working closely with Chef Endy to ensure both the wine program and menus feature the best vendors in the region. Erickson has also added a sommelier spotlight on Alisal’s wine list with notes of horizontals and verticals provided by featured wineries. On top of this, he has introduced a quarterly winemaker dinner series open to the public and has expanded the cocktail offerings at Alisal’s iconic Oak Room bar.

Opened in 1946, Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort is a full-service guest ranch for couples, families, and conferences. The secluded destination offers 73 telephone-and-television-free guest cottages and suites, more than 50 miles of horseback riding trails, two 18 hole championship golf courses, a 6,500 square foot spa and fitness center, six tennis courts and a 100-acre lake with water sports, including fly fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

As locals, both Erickson and Endy are proud to show up to the 10,500-acre Santa Ynez Valley ranch for work every day. Erickson says, “We both grew up in the region and being a part of the Alisal team is a dream come true.”

Benchmark COO and President Greg Champion made the announcement. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Jerry to Benchmark and to our resort,” said Champion. “He brings important local and regional market awareness and business connections to his new role, and a strong background of success in leading hotels and resorts.”

The Goodland, a Kimpton Hotel recently announced the appointment of Danielle Santilli as associate director of sales. In her new role, Santilli will be responsible for planning and implementing sales, marketing and business development strategies for the 158-room Santa Barbara hotel.

The Estate Yountville in Napa Valley, California has expanded their culinary team by appointing Katie Cotten as director of catering and conference services. Cotten brings 13 years of experience in luxury events, including celebrity weddings and television shoots, to her new position, where she will manage and assist meeting and event planners in the execution of their functions. Cotten specializes in setting goals with her clients and working with them closely to ensure a successful and unique event.